CN1987768A

CN1987768A - Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and information processing program

Info

Publication number: CN1987768A
Application number: CN 200610169253
Authority: CN
Inventors: 斋藤恵
Original assignee: Canon Inc
Current assignee: Canon Inc
Priority date: 2005-12-22
Filing date: 2006-12-21
Publication date: 2007-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 2026-12-21
Also published as: CN100524192C

Abstract

An information processing device provided with printer driver is used to produce printing data that can be understood by image formation device and sequence display screen, including collection device, first determining device, second determining device and setting device. In a guide process used by a printer driver, a screen to be displayed is dynamically produced in accordance with device function information provided by the printer driver and a setting value input by a user. In this technique, it is not necessary to separately prepare wizard programs for respective printer drivers, which makes it possible to develop the wizard program in a highly efficient and easy manner.

Description

Messaging device, information processing method and message processing program

Technical field

The present invention relates to messaging device, information processing method and message processing program, they can be provided with at the attribute of printer driver in the guide dynamically determines subsequent picture displayed based on expression by the information of the function of image forming apparatus support with by the value of user's appointment.

Background technology

When use is connected to the printer prints document data of computing machine or view data, the user opens printer driver and window is set and by input be provided with value relevant with a plurality of attributes print attribution is set, thereby according to desired form document printing or image.

In recent years, printer capability is significantly improved.Yet the raising of printer capability needing when printing to have caused the increase of the number of entry of appointment.This may make a lot of users meet difficulty when use is connected to the printer of computing machine.And, may clash between the value of setting of disparity items.It is invalid that conflict may cause the value of some project to become.Therefore, the user must specify the value of setting of all items so that can not clash between the project.

Japan treats that publication No.2004-220300 discloses a kind of technology, specify print conditions by using to the print attribution of the layout setting printer driver of conductivity type, described interface sequentially provides and picture is set specifies the value of setting easily to allow the user.Treat among the publication No.2004-220300 in the disclosed technology that in Japan printer driver shows and comprises two guide screen of window displayed side by side.In a window, shown a series of setting a property with the process flow diagram form, and another window allows the user to import the print attribution value.

Yet, treat among the publication No.2004-220300 in the disclosed technology in Japan, because type information is provided with guide and provided by printer driver, need be to each printer driver program of ready-to-print information setting guide individually.

In above-described technology, for each printer driver is prepared the reduction that wizard program causes program development efficient individually.

In view of the above problems, need provide a kind of technology, the functions of the equipments information that provides based on printer driver and the value of setting of user's appointment and dynamically be created in picture displayed in the guide that printer driver uses.

In above-described conventional art,, and do not allow different printer drivers are used identical wizard program for each printer driver is prepared wizard program separately.Therefore, need produce different wizard program, cause the reduction of development efficiency each printer driver.In being similar to the environment of office, a large amount of printers are connected to computing machine, and a plurality of different printer drivers need be installed in each client computer.In the case, also be installed in each client computer corresponding to the wizard program of each printer driver, so each client computer must have additional storage space so that these programs to be installed.

In view of the above problems, also need to provide a kind of can be by the common guide function that uses of a plurality of printer drivers.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a kind of messaging device, has printer driver, be used to produce the intelligible print data of image forming apparatus, and have the order display frame, be used to be provided with print attribution, comprise: harvester is used for representing from described printer driver collection the functions of the equipments information of one or more function that described image forming apparatus can be carried out; First determines device, is used for the functions of the equipments information of gathering based on described harvester and determines first image information; Second determines device, is used for determining second image information in described functions of the equipments information with via based on described first basis of the value of setting of determining described first picture input of first image information that equipment is determined; And setting device, be used for print attribution being set via based on the value of importing at described first picture of first image information of determining by described first definite equipment of setting with via basis based on the value of importing at described second picture of second image information of determining by described second definite equipment of setting.

The present invention also provides a kind of information processing method in messaging device, described messaging device has printer driver, be used to produce the intelligible print data of image forming apparatus, and have the order display frame, be used to be provided with print attribution, described method comprises step: the functions of the equipments information of representing executable one or more function of described image forming apparatus from described printer driver collection; Determine first image information based on the functions of the equipments information of in described acquisition step, gathering; On described functions of the equipments information and basis via the value of importing based on described first picture of first image information of in the described first image information determining step, determining of setting, determine second image information, and, print attribution is set via being on the basis based on the value of setting of described first picture input of first image information of in the described first image information determining step, determining and the value of setting imported via described second picture of second image information of determining in based on the described second image information determining step.

The present invention also provide a kind of in messaging device executable message processing program, described messaging device has printer driver, be used to produce the intelligible print data of image forming apparatus, and have the order display frame, be used to be provided with print attribution, comprise step: the functions of the equipments information of representing one or more function that described image forming apparatus can be carried out from described printer driver collection; Determine first image information based on the functions of the equipments information of in described acquisition step, gathering; On described functions of the equipments information and basis via the value of importing based on described first picture of first image information of in the described first image information determining step, determining of setting, determine second image information, and on via the value of setting and basis, print attribution is set via the value of importing based on described second picture of second image information of in the described second image information determining step, determining of setting based on described first picture input of first image information of in the described first image information determining step, determining.

The present invention also provides a kind of messaging device, comprise and to be called to produce a plurality of guide apparatus that picture is set by a plurality of printer drivers, described guide apparatus comprises harvester, is used for from calling the printer driver collecting device function information of described guide apparatus; Display control unit is used for based on sequentially showing a plurality of pictures that are provided with by the functions of the equipments information of described harvester collection with the guide form; And setting device, be used for according to print attribution being set by a plurality of values that the picture input is set that sequentially show by described display control unit.

The present invention also provides a kind of information processing method, comprise and to be called jointly to produce a plurality of guide processes that picture is set by a plurality of printer drivers that described guide process comprises step: from calling the printer driver collecting device function information of described guide process; Sequentially show a plurality of pictures that are provided with based on the functions of the equipments information of in by described acquisition step, gathering with the guide form; And according to print attribution being set by a plurality of values that the picture input is set that in described step display, sequentially show.

The present invention also provides a kind of message processing program that can carry out in messaging device, comprise and to be called jointly to produce a plurality of guide processes that picture is set by a plurality of printer drivers that described guide process comprises step: from calling the printer driver collecting device function information of described guide process; Sequentially show a plurality of pictures that are provided with based on the functions of the equipments information of in described acquisition step, gathering with the guide form; And according to print attribution being set by a plurality of values that the picture input is set that in described step display, sequentially show.

Further feature of the present invention can be by with reference to the accompanying drawings to the following description of exemplary embodiment of the present and clearer.

Description of drawings

Fig. 1 shows the block scheme of the configuration of print system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows in application-specific and prints that relative program is activated and program and data are written into the memory mapped of the RAM of host computer under the state of RAM;

Fig. 3 is the block scheme that shows according to an embodiment of the invention to guide module and printer driver;

Fig. 4 shows the block scheme of sight module according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 shows the block scheme of sight module according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 shows the block scheme of resource prioritization table module according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 shows the diagrammatic sketch of guide operation example according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 shows the diagrammatic sketch of guide operation example according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 shows the process flow diagram of guide operation according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 shows the process flow diagram of printer driver operation according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 11 shows to guide module and diagrammatic sketch with the relation between one group of printer driver of difference in functionality;

Figure 12 generalities show expansion to guide module;

Figure 13 is the diagrammatic sketch that UI is set that shows printer driver;

Figure 14 shows the example that resource and resource prioritization table are updated;

Figure 15 is the functional-block diagram of messaging device according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 16 is the functional-block diagram of messaging device according to another embodiment of the invention; And

Figure 17 shows the diagrammatic sketch of guide operation example according to an embodiment of the invention.

Embodiment

Below in conjunction with accompanying drawing and the more detailed description the present invention of reference example embodiment.

First exemplary embodiment

Fig. 1 shows the block scheme of the configuration of print system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.Described print system comprises host computer 3000 and printer 1500, and printer 1500 is suitable for carrying out printing according to the print data that receives from host computer 3000.

In host computer 3000, overall control is connected to the equipment of CPU1 to CPU1 by system bus 4 according to being stored in the program among the RAM2.RAM2 is also used as primary memory or perform region by CPU1.ROM3 stores various types of programs and data.ROM3 is included in the font ROM zone 3a that wherein stores various character font datas, the data ROM zone 3c that stores the program ROM zone 3b of boot and/or BIOS and store various types of data therein therein.

Keyboard controller (KBC) 5 controls are by keyboard (KB) 9 and/or for example input operation of mouse (not shown) of pointing device.Data display operation on CRT controller (CRTC) the 6 control CRT monitor (CRT) 10.Magnetic Disk Controller (DKC) 7 controls are to for example visit of hard disk of external memory storage 11.Be connected to printer controller (PRTC) the 8 main control system computing machines 3000 of printer 1500 and the communication between the printer 1500 by bidirectional interface 21.

External memory storage 11 for example passes through hard disk (HD), DVD or floppy disk (registered trademark) (FD) to be realized, and is used to store various types of programs, for example operating system 205, application program 201 and printing relative program 204.External memory storage 11 also is used to store user file, file of being edited or the like.Print relative program 204 and be to use page-description language to produce the program of print data, and allow the described printing relative program of the common use of a plurality of similar printers.Print relative program 204 and comprise printer control command generation module (below be called printer driver) 2041 and printer driver UI (user interface) control module 2042.

Application program 201 is loaded into the RAM2 and by CPU1 from external memory storage 11 and carries out.CPU1 with the outline font data rasterisation (rasterize) among the RAM2 thus make and can pass through WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) mode video data on CRT10.When the user used the cursor of mouse show on CRT10 or the like (not shown) to give an order, CPU1 opened window and carries out data processing according to described order.For example, in order to carry out printing, the user opens print attribution that print attribution is provided with window and printer driver 2041 is set to specify print conditions, for example printing model.In this manual, print attribution is synonymous to print setting information.

Fig. 2 shows in application-specific and prints that relative program is activated and program and data are written into the memory mapped of the RAM2 of host computer 3000 under the state of RAM2.

As shown in Figure 2, in RAM2, BIOS206, operating system 205, application program 201, printing relative program 204 and related data 203 are stored.RAM2 also has free memory space 202.Under this state, can executive utility 201 and printing relative program 204.If the user sends print attribution order is set, the printer driver UI control module of then printing in the relative program (Fig. 1) 2042 shows that on CRT10 print attribution is provided with picture and uses keyboard 9 or the like that print attribution is set to allow the user.

Now, describe to guide module 2042.Fig. 3 shows the guide modules configured.In this manual, " guide " is meant and shows sequentially that therein one or more is provided with picture to allow the user by the process of picture with the interactive mode input value of setting is set.

Comprise that to guide module 2042 guide display module 301, guide data module 302 and UI select module 303.

Guide display module 301 comprises UI display module 3011 and the value of setting memory module 3012.UI display module 3011 shows the UI that selects module 303 to select from resource 4032 by UI.The value of setting memory module 3012 is with the value of DEVMODE form storage user appointment.When one or more value of setting changed, one or more value of setting that is stored in correspondence wherein changed.When finishing by guide when being provided with, the data that are provided with that are stored in the value of the setting memory module 3012 are sent to printer driver 2041.

Guide data module 302 comprises sight module 3021, resource module 3022 and resource prioritization table module 3023.

Sight module 3021 has the sight of each kind that is used for the print attribution that will be provided with by guide.Fig. 4 shows the example of sight module 3021.In the example depicted in fig. 4, " sight #1: binding printed " the 401st is with binding printed related sight.In the content 4011 of " sight #1: binding printed ", for example described antiquarian, method for stitching and finished attribute project such as be provided with according to the order that sets a property.That is to say, have the print attribution project information of the project that is illustrated in each sight in one of specific output mode that printer driver can select (binding printed pattern, economic printing model, placard printing model or the like) to guide module, and have the context information that order is set of expression print attribution project.If, for example (describe after a while) among the step S802 in Fig. 9, then read context information corresponding to the output intent of selecting to guide module to the notified output mode of selecting by printer driver of guide module.Under this concrete condition, context information comprises sight shown in Figure 4 401 to 403.

In resource module 3022, a plurality of UI resources of each print attribution project have been stored.Fig. 5 shows the example of resource module 3022.Resource module 3022 comprises antiquarian kind 501, comprises " antiquarian resource A " 5011, " antiquarian resource B " 5012 and " antiquarian resource C " 5013." antiquarian resource A " 5011 is the UI resource that the antiquarian of " A4, A3 and B4 " can be set." antiquarian resource B " 5012 is the UI resource that the antiquarian of " A4, A3, A2, A1, B5 and B4 " can be set." antiquarian resource C " 5013 is the UI resource that the antiquarian of " A4, A3, B4 and user-defined paper " can be set.Similarly, method for stitching resource A to C is stored in the method for stitching kind 502, and Method Of Accomplishment resource A to D is stored in the Method Of Accomplishment kind 503.These information are corresponding to resource shown in Figure 7 7003 to 7012.In the present invention, each resource kind also is called the picture properties group, and each resource is also referred to as picture properties or input picture properties.For example, antiquarian kind 501 is one of picture properties groups, and antiquarian resource A is one of picture properties.In this manual, picture properties is synonymous to image information.

In resource prioritization table module 3023 shown in Figure 6, stored the resource prioritization table 601 related to 603 with each kind of resource module 3022.In each priority list, the information (if perhaps resource can not be selected then be the not optional information of expression resource) of expression priority has been described in each item line.In each priority list 601 to 603, can produce row headers information based on the information that receives from printer driver 2041, and can produce column information based on the resource information related with UI.Replacedly, can produce row headers information in advance and do not rely on information from printer driver.

Below more detailed description priority list.For example, priority list 601 has project " A3 printer ", " large scale " (to A1) and " free size printer " (to A3).In project " A3 printer ", only to resource A definition priority, and not to resource B and C definition priority, because the A3 printer supports size to arrive the paper of A3 greatly.Resource B comprises that not only size reaches the project that is provided with of the paper of A3, also comprises the antiquarian that surpasses A3, i.e. A2 and A1, the project that is provided with.Therefore,,, then not only allow the antiquarian that reaches A3 is provided with, also allow the antiquarian of A2 and A1 is provided with if shown the UI that is provided with corresponding to resource B when selecting A3 as the time with the printer that uses.Yet if selected A2 or A1, the A3 printer can not be printed.For fear of the problems referred to above, resource B and resource C are designated as and can not select.In project " large scale printer (A1) ", resource C is designated as and can not selects, because resource C comprises the unsupported user-defined paper of large scale printer (A1).Resource B allows big five kinds of antiquarians to A1 are provided with.On the other hand, resource A allows big three kinds of antiquarians to A3 are provided with.In the case, give resource B higher priority, make it that antiquarian than resource A greater number can be set.In each project, define priority in this manner.That is to say, priority list module 3023 memory priority level tables (for example priority list 601 to 603), they are to the display priority of each picture properties of each functions of the equipments information definition picture properties group.The function that the functions of the equipments information representation can be carried out with the printing device that host computer communicates.

As described with reference to step S708 among the figure 8 and S716 after a while, select first picture properties to be shown according to functions of the equipments information of gathering and the information that the display priority of each picture properties is distributed in expression to guide module.Distribute to the information of the display priority of each picture properties to the guide module basis by the value of setting, functions of the equipments information and the expression imported corresponding to the picture of first picture properties of selecting by first selecting arrangement then, and select second picture properties to be shown.Use priority list to make to first can be from the first picture properties group suitable according to the functions of the equipments Information Selection of the being gathered picture properties of guide module, this first picture properties comprises the information that is used to be provided with the print attribution carried out of the function association of functions of the equipments information representation.In addition, as described with reference to the step S717 among the figure 8 after a while, select suitable second picture properties from the second picture properties group according to the information of returning from printer driver to guide module, this second picture properties comprises the information that is used to be provided with the print attribution carried out of the function association of functions of the equipments information representation.Notice that print attribution is an information of using the print data that produces according to its output.

UI selects module 303 to comprise demonstration determination module 3031 and communication module 3032.Show the resource of determining among the step S809 to S814 of determination module 3031 in the Fig. 9 that describes after a while corresponding to picture to be shown.

Communication module 3032 transmits the information of current time setting to the printer driver 2041 that uses printer driver SDK.Communication module 3032 also is configured to inquire about executable functions of the equipments and/or setting that it allowed to printer driver, and receives response to it from printer driver.

Now, next operation to guide module 2042 is described.Fig. 8 is the process flow diagram that shows to the operation of guide module, the step from the step of operation beginning to EO.Notice that the step shown in this process flow diagram is that the CPU1 by host computer 3000 carries out.With reference to figure 7 and Fig. 8, the concrete example according to the operating process of present embodiment is described below.In the present embodiment, host computer 3000 comprises printer driver, be suitable for producing the intelligible print data of image forming apparatus, and be suitable for select progressively and the related print attribution of information of input picture, and produce the picture of realizing described guide to determine in print data, to comprise.Notice that the input picture is based on the picture that resource shown in Figure 5 produces.

More particularly, printer driver is given an order to show initial setting up UI7101, allows the user to start guide (step S701).Printer driver detects the print attribution kind of selecting by initial setting up UI7101 (step S702).In the example depicted in fig. 8, suppose and selected " binding printed ".

In response to step S702, printer driver activates to guide module (step S703) and sends the information that is illustrated in detected output mode in the step 702 and arrives to guide module (step S704).If in step S704 to the output mode of the binding printed conduct of the information representation that guide module receives appointment in step S702, then the bookbinding sight 7102 stored in advance of guide module references and the functions of the equipments (step S705) of inquiring about each project of this sight to printer driver.In the example depicted in fig. 8, sight comprises the project of " antiquarian setting ", " bookbinding is provided with ", " finishing setting ", therefore to the functions of the equipments of guide module to printer driver inquiry and these item associations.

In response to the inquiry among the step S705, the functions of the equipments information 7103 that printer driver sends the functions of the equipments of being supported of expression and each item association arrives to guide module (step S706).

If receive the functions of the equipments information of in step S706, sending 7103 to guide module, then to guide module according to functions of the equipments information 7103 from the UI of first item association of this sight select optimal UI resource, and show the related UI picture (step S707) of UI resource with selection to guide module.In the example depicted in fig. 8, first project of bookbinding sight is the antiquarian setting.Therefore, from antiquarian UI resource 7003 to 7005 is set according to the functions of the equipments information 7103 that receives to guide module and selects optimal UI resource.The details of step S707 is described below with reference to Fig. 7.Have resource prioritization table module 3023 to guide module, it comprises the priority list of stored resource in advance of each project.The resource prioritization table of guide module references and interested item association.More particularly, under this concrete condition, the guide module references is at the antiquarian resource prioritization table 7013 of the priority of each functions of the equipments information definition antiquarian resource.Therefore, the resource prioritization that defines in according to this priority list to guide module and select optimal UI resource from the functions of the equipments information 7103 that printer driver receives.In the example depicted in fig. 7, the interested equipment of functions of the equipments information 7103 expressions that receives from printer driver is " A3 printer ".Therefore, the project " A3 printer " in the guide module references antiquarian resource prioritization table 7013.Antiquarian resource prioritization table 7013 indication UI resource A7003 has first priority, therefore shows the UI7104 corresponding to UI resource A7003.On the other hand, UI resource B7004 comprises A2 as antiquarian, and it is not to support as functions of the equipments.Therefore, if show UI corresponding to UI resource B7004, then UI allows to select A2 as antiquarian, and in fact it does not support.May cause confusion like this.For fear of this problem, " A3 " printer is not selected UI resource B7004.UI resource C7005 comprises that user-defined antiquarian is as one of antiquarian.Yet user-defined antiquarian is not supported by current interested equipment, so UI resource 7005 is not selected yet.

Detect the value (step S708) of the UI7104 appointment that shows by step S707 to guide module.

After this, in order to determine the optimal UI with second item association of this sight, the resource prioritization table (step S709) of the guide module references and second item association.According to the reference result in step S709, to guide module inquiry printer driver to determine whether in fact can carry out (step S710) according to detected designated value in step S708 with according to the optional function of the project of the UI resource of resource prioritization watch test selection.More particularly, in the example depicted in fig. 8, second project is " method for stitching ", therefore with reference to method for stitching resource prioritization table 7014.And, by the functions of the equipments information 7103 that receives from printer driver, determine that method for stitching can be " right side " bookbinding, " left side " bookbinding and " saddle type " bookbinding.Therefore, guide module references method for stitching resource prioritization table 7014 is distributed to the priority of the resource in the item line " right side, left side, saddle type " with detection.In the case, detect UI resource B and be assigned with first priority, and UI resource A has been assigned with second priority.According to above-mentioned testing result, can carry out (step S710) with " A4 " that determines to have " right side " bookbinding, " left side " bookbinding and " saddle type " bookbinding that to select among the UI resource B of first priority and select in whether to UI7104 to guide module inquiry printer driver.

If printer driver receives the inquiry of sending in step S710, then printer driver determines whether and can carry out the function (step S711) of specifying the UI resource to the value of selecting.Further describe the process of carrying out among the step S711 below with reference to Fig. 7.In the example depicted in fig. 7, interested equipment is not supported " saddle type " bookbinding of " A4 " antiquarian.Therefore, if selected UI resource B7007, then " saddle type " bookbinding can be shown as one of the method for stitching that can select, although in fact " A4 " do not supported " saddle type " bookbinding.Therefore, the printer driver return messages are to comprising the function (step S712) that can not carry out to guide module to show UI resource B7007.

If receive this negative reply to guide module, then guide module check printer driver is to determine whether have the function that can select among the UI resource A7006 of second priority can carry out (step S713).In response to the inquiry of sending among the step S713, printer driver is according to checking enforceability (step S714) with the similar mode of step S711.Thus, " left side " bookbinding and " right side " bookbinding that printer driver is determined can to select in UI resource A7006 can be carried out " A4 " antiquarian, so printer driver returns positive reply to guide module (step S715).Therefore, in the example depicted in fig. 8, when the module that acts as a guide receives the executable answer of presentation function, show UI7105 (step S716) corresponding to UI resource A7006 to guide module.If in the UI that shows, selected certain method, then detect which method (step S717) of having selected to guide module.

After this, in order to determine the optimal UI of the 3rd item association of sight therewith, the resource prioritization table (step S718) of guide module references and the 3rd item association.According to the reference result in step S718, whether in fact can carry out (step S719) with the optional function of the project of the UI resource determining to select according to detected designated value in step S717 with according to the resource prioritization table to guide module inquiry printer driver.More particularly, in the example depicted in fig. 8, the 3rd project is " finishing setting ", therefore with reference to finishing resource prioritization table 7015.And, by the functions of the equipments information 7103 that receives from printer driver, determine to allow to be provided with " bookbinding allowance ", " cutting out " and " packing ".Therefore, the guide module references is finished " binding+cut out+pack " project in the resource prioritization table 7015.By finishing resource prioritization table 7015, detect UI resource D7012 to guide module and be assigned with first priority, UI resource B7010 has been assigned with second priority, and UI resource A7009 has been assigned with the 3rd priority.According to above-mentioned testing result, can carry out with " A4 and the right side bookbinding " of determining to have " allowance of pocket bookbinding " that to select among the UI resource D7012 of first priority and be provided with and whether " cutting out " being selected in being provided with to UI7104 and UI7105 to guide module inquiry printer driver.

If printer driver receives the inquiry of sending in step S719, then printer driver determines whether and can carry out the function (step S720) of specifying the UI resource to the value of selecting.In the example depicted in fig. 8, the UI resource D7012 of appointment comprises the setting of " allowance of pocket bookbinding " among the step S719.Yet interested printer is not supported pocket bookbinding.This means that then UI allows to be provided with the allowance of pocket bookbinding if shown UI corresponding to UI resource D7012, but in fact do not support pocket bookbinding.Therefore, the printer driver return messages are to comprising the function (step S721) that can not carry out to guide module to show UI resource D7012.

There is the message to carry out function if receive expression, then whether can carries out (step S722) with the function that can select of the project of the UI resource B7010 that determines to have second priority to guide module inquiry printer driver to guide module.In response to the inquiry of sending among the step S722, printer driver is according to checking enforceability (step S723) with the similar mode of step S720.Thus, printer driver determines that " the bookbinding allowance " described is provided with, " cutting out " is provided with in UI resource B7010 and " packing " is provided with and can carries out " A4 " antiquarian and right side bookbinding, so printer driver returns positive reply and arrives to guide module (step S724).Therefore, in the example depicted in fig. 8, when the module that acts as a guide receives the executable message of presentation function, show UI7106 (step S725) corresponding to UI resource B7010 to guide module.If in the UI that shows, selected certain project, then detect which project (step S726) of having selected to guide module.

On the time point that step S726 finishes, also finished according to the setting of " antiquarian ", " bookbinding " and " finishing ", therefore show and finish UI7107 (step S727).If detect by finishing UI7107 to guide module and to have sent the finish command, then will send to printer driver (step S728) by the value that above-mentioned UI is provided with to guide module.More particularly, to guide module according to by corresponding to the value of setting of the picture of first picture properties input, by determining print attribution corresponding to the value of setting of the picture input of second picture properties and by the value of importing corresponding to the picture of three-picture attribute of setting.Printer driver produces print out task according to the value of notifying of setting in step S728.The picture properties of selecting in according to step S708, S717 and S726 to guide module and display frame sequentially, the dialog box picture 7104 to 7106 that is provided with for example shown in Figure 8.

In the above-mentioned process that comprises step S710, S713, S719 and S722 among Fig. 8, whether can carry out with the function of determining in UI resource, to comprise to guide module inquiry printer driver, and from a plurality of picture properties groups of storage in advance, select all executable UI of its all functions to guide module according to the selection of resource prioritization watch test to the value of setting of user's appointment.

Replacedly, can produce according to response to guide module picture is set from printer driver.

For example, can produce the picture that method for stitching is set as described below with reference to figure 8 to guide module.

Detect the function that interested equipment supports which is related with bookbinding to guide module from the functions of the equipments information that among step S706, obtains.

Then to guide module inquiry printer driver determining whether detected functions of the equipments can be carried out the value of setting of user's appointment, and produce according to the response of returning from printer driver to guide module picture be set.

If printer driver is from receiving inquiry to guide module, then printer driver determines based on functions of the equipments information whether the bookbinding function of equipment can carry out (that is to say that printer driver determines whether to clash) to the value of setting of user's appointment.Can carry out the conflict checking process according to known technology, it is described in detail in this omission.

The concrete example that produces the process that picture is set is described below.

The functions of the equipments information of gathering in step S706 comprises that expression can support " right side " bookbinding, " left side " bookbinding and " saddle type " bookbinding as the information of method for stitching.In the example depicted in fig. 8, before specifying method for stitching, " A4 " is designated as the antiquarian of the one pile of paper that is in sheets.

Therefore inquire about printer driver to determine whether and to carry out the right side bookbinding to the antiquarian (being A4 in this example) of appointment to guide module.The answer that the guide module stores is returned from printer driver.

Send about the inquiry that bind in the left side and saddle type is bound by similar fashion to guide module, and store the answer of returning from printer driver.

In this concrete example, as above described with reference to figure 8, printer driver returns the answer that expression can be carried out the right side bookbinding to A4, and expression can be carried out the answer of left side bookbinding to A4.

According to answer from printer driver, produce picture to guide module, picture 7105 for example shown in Figure 8 allows to select method for stitching from " right side " bookbinding or " left side " bookbinding.

In this alternative embodiment, as mentioned above, picture is set owing to producing based on the answer of returning from printer driver to guide module, therefore do not need to store in advance a plurality of picture and resource prioritization tables for example shown in Figure 6 of being provided with.Can improve memory efficiency like this.The details of this process is described in detail with reference to Figure 17 after a while.

Now, next with reference to process flow diagram detailed description shown in Figure 9 operation to guide module.

Start to guide module (step S801) by the guide startup command of sending by printer driver.Receive order to read certain scenarios to guide module from printer driver then.For example, specify in the picture (7101 among Fig. 8) under the situation of " binding printed " and further appointment " use guide " being provided with of printer driver the user, receive order to read and binding printed related sight from printer driver to guide module.According to described order, read sight (step S802) by the printer driver appointment to guide module.As shown in Figure 3, have sight module 3021, and read sight by the printer driver appointment from sight module 3021 to guide module.

Read by the sight of printer driver appointment and detect the project of describing in this sight to guide module.As shown in Figure 4, each sight comprises a plurality of projects.For example, binding printed sight comprises " antiquarian ", " method for stitching " and " finishing " project.Inquire about printer driver to determine functions of the equipments information (S803) to guide module corresponding to the project of specifying sight.In response to described inquiry, the functions of the equipments information that printer driver returns corresponding to the sight project arrives to guide module.That is to say, represent the functions of the equipments information of the function that printer (image forming apparatus) is supported to guide module from the printer driver collection.Notice that the information of gathering might not come from printer driver in step S803.

Determine the at first UI resource of demonstration to the guide module basis with the functions of the equipments information of first item association of sight and according to the resource prioritization table, and show determined UI resource (step S804) to guide module.That is to say, from the picture properties group, select first picture properties to be shown according to the functions of the equipments information that collects to guide module.Produce according to selected picture properties to guide module then the dialog box picture is set.Therefore the details of this process is described with reference to the step S707 among the figure 8 above, at this repeated description no longer.If the user is provided with the UI input value of setting by first, then detect value of setting (step S805) of input to guide module.

Determine to guide module whether the sight that reads has more items (step S806) in step S802 then.

If determine that sight has more items, then the resource prioritization table (step S807) of guide module references and next item association.More particularly, according to the functions of the equipments information of in step S803, gathering, determine the project of reference in next resource prioritization table to guide module.Therefore the details of this process is described with reference to the step S708 among the figure 8 above, at this repeated description no longer.Guide module initialization priority (n=1) (step S808) and inquiry printer driver with the function determining in having the UI resource of n priority, to describe whether to carrying out (step S809) by the value of setting that the UI appointment is set.That is to say, the precedence information of describing in according to functions of the equipments information and priority list to guide module and from the picture properties group tentative selection picture properties to be shown.The information that print attribution is set that will be in step S805 comprises in the detected value of setting and the picture properties in tentative selection to guide module sends to printer driver.Therefore the details of this process among the step S809 is described with reference to the step S710 among the figure 8 above, at this repeated description no longer.

Determine to guide module whether presentation function can be carried out (step S810) from answer that printer driver returns in response to the inquiry among the step S809.

If in step S810, determined that function can carry out, then show UI (step S814) to be set corresponding to current UI resource with n priority to guide module.That is to say, to guide module according to by corresponding to the value of setting of the picture of the picture properties of in step S804, selecting input and according to functions of the equipments information and from the picture properties group selection picture properties to be shown.

On the other hand, in step S810, determined to answer presentation function and comprised under the situation of the function that can not carry out, determined to guide module whether current resource prioritization table comprises the UI resource (step S811) that has next priority in the current project.For example, among the step S709 in Fig. 8, determined in current project (right side bookbinding, left side bookbinding, saddle type bookbinding) that UI resource B7007 has first priority and UI resource A7006 has second priority.Therefore, inquire about printer driver to determine whether have the function of describing among the UI resource B7007 of first priority can carry out to guide module.If the answer of returning in response to described inquiry shows that function comprises the function that can not carry out, then in step S811, determine whether to exist UI resource with second priority to guide module.

If determine that in step S811 do not have priority is the UI resource of n=n+1, skip to guide module then that the currentitem purpose is provided with (step S813) and whether definite sight has more items.More particularly, receive the answer whether expression is presented at the picture properties of tentative selection the step S809 to guide module from printer driver.Show that the picture properties of tentative selection in step S809 should not be shown if answer, then from the picture properties group, select another picture properties except the picture properties of tentative selection in step S809.

Determining to exist priority in step S811 is under the situation of UI resource of n=n+1, then n=n+1 is carried out once more from the process of step S809 to S810.

Be repeated to carry out all items from the process of S805 to S814 up to handling the interested situation of presence.If determine all items has been carried out this process (that is to say if to the answer of step S806 for not) to guide module, then show and finish UI (in step S815).Be sent in each value of setting that appointment among UI is set to printer driver to guide module.That is to say in step S806, determine whether finish in step S804 by the process that print attribution is set via the picture input value of setting with picture properties of selecting to guide module.Determining to be provided with under the still uncompleted situation of print attribution, according to the value of importing in the step before step S806 of setting and according to functions of the equipments information and from being different from the picture properties group selection image information to be shown of the first and second picture properties groups.Described process repeats in a similar manner up to determine to have finished the print attribution setting in step S806.Described process corresponding among Fig. 8 from the process of step S718 to S726.

Above process with reference to figure 9 descriptions makes and can solve the problem that in the conventional art each printer driver is needed different wizard program.The above process of describing with reference to figure 9 provides following characteristic, and promptly picture displayed is to pass through dynamically to generate to guide module according to input value and the functions of the equipments information that collects in the setting up procedure related with printer driver that uses guide.

Now, next the process that printer driver is carried out is described with reference to Figure 10.

At first, printer driver determines whether the user has sent print command (step S901).

If in step S901, determine to have sent print command and asked to be provided with print attribution, then printer driver show as shown in figure 13 UI (step S902) is set.Chosen " using guide " and clicked " affirmations " button if be provided with among the UI at this, then demonstration as shown in Figure 8 UI7101 is set.

Printer driver is determined whether to have selected any one sight and whether specified use guide (step S903) in being provided with in UI7101 is set.

If specified use guide in determining be provided with in step S903, then printer driver activates to guide module (step S904) and sends to be illustrated in and the information that sight (output intent) is set selected among the UI is set to guide module (step S905).

Printer driver determines whether sent function information request (step S906) to guide module then.If determine to have sent the function information request in step S906, then the printer driver transmission functions of the equipments information related with printer driver arrives to guide module (step S907).Printer driver managing functions of equipment information, thus can be in response to the inquiry of guide module and sending function information.

Printer driver determines whether from received the value of setting and UI resource (step S908) to guide module.If determine to have received the value of setting and UI resource in step S908, then whether the printer driver function determining to describe in the UI resource that receives is to carrying out (step S909) from the value of setting that receives to guide module and will determining that result notification is to guide module (step S910).Detailed process among the step S909 is described below.Printer driver is from receiving Set For Current value and UI resource information to guide module.In the UI resource information, described for example right side bookbinding, functions such as binding allowance has been set.Printer driver determines whether interested equipment can be to carrying out the function of describing the described UI resource from the value of setting that receives to guide module.For example, example as shown in Figure 7, in the time can not carrying out " saddle type bookbinding " to " A4 " antiquarian corresponding to the equipment of the printer driver of current selection, if printer driver is from value of setting that receives appointment " A4 " to guide module and the UI resource B7007 that comprises right side bookbinding, saddle type bookbinding and left side bookbinding function, printer driver is determined and can not be carried out the saddle type bookbinding to the A4 size.Therefore, among the step S712 in Fig. 8, printer driver returns expression and comprises the answer that can not carry out function and give to guide module.

Printer driver determines whether from received print attribute information (step S911) to guide module.If determine to have received print attribute information, then printer driver produces print out task based on the print attribute information that is received.Under the situation that does not receive print attribute information as yet, might be from receiving further information to guide module, so printer driver enters waiting status.

The process that picture is set by the generation of carrying out to guide module is described below with reference to Figure 17.

Step S1701 to S1706 among Figure 17 is similar with the step S801 to S806 among above-mentioned Fig. 9, so it further describes in this omission.

Detect corresponding to the next item down destination device function information (step S1707) to guide module.More particularly, in concrete example shown in Figure 8, sight has been specified to carry out afterwards according to " method for stitching " in setting " antiquarian " and has been provided with.Therefore, from the functions of the equipments information that collects, extract the functions of the equipments information related to guide module with method for stitching.More particularly, in guide module slave unit function information, detect three kinds of functions: " right side " bookbinding, " left side " bookbinding and " saddle type " bookbinding.

The function information quantity (n=1) (step S1708) of the function that the guide module initialization is to be chosen, and inquire about printer driver to guide module and can carry out (step S1709) to determine whether interested function to the value of setting of appointment in step S1705.Process below with reference to the more detailed description step of Fig. 8 S1709.In the example depicted in fig. 8, inquire about printer driver to determine whether that " right side " bookbinding function is to carrying out by " A4 " antiquarian that picture 7104 appointments are set to guide module.

Then, whether the inquiry of sending in guide module is determined in response to step S1709 and the answer returned represent that described function can carry out (step S1710).

Can carry out (just, if the answer of step S1710 is for being) if answer presentation function, then the guide module stores is represented the executable information of function of n functions of the equipments information indication.

After this, determine whether to exist more functions of the equipments information (step S1712) to be assessed to guide module.Process below with reference to the more detailed description step of the concrete example S1712 among Fig. 8.For example, to guide module after printer driver has been inquired about enforceability to " right side " of " A4 " antiquarian bookbinding, determine whether to exist method for stitching more to be chosen to guide module.In the example depicted in fig. 8, except " right side " bookbinding, also there are " left side " bookbinding and " saddle type " bookbinding, therefore, in the case, in step S1712, determine to exist functions of the equipments information to be chosen more.

In step S1712, determine to exist under the situation of functions of the equipments information to be chosen more, the value of presentation function information content is increased progressively (step S1713) to guide module.

On the other hand, if when in step S1712, determining to no longer include functions of the equipments information to be chosen (just, if to the answer of step S1712 for not), then determine whether to exist to be confirmed as executable function (step S1714) to guide module.

Be confirmed as executable functions of the equipments (that is, if to the answer of step S1714 for not) if in step S1714, determine not exist, then skip the currentitem purpose (step S1716) is set to guide module.

On the other hand, in step S1714, determine to exist under the situation that is confirmed as executable functions of the equipments (promptly, if to the answer of step S1714 for being), then produce and be provided with that picture is confirmed as executable function with setting and demonstration was produced is provided with picture (step S1715) to guide module.Describe the process of step S1715 more in detail below with reference to concrete example shown in Figure 8.For example, returning expression at printer driver can carry out " A4 " antiquarian under the situation of answer of " right side bookbinding " and " left side bookbinding ", to the guide module generation picture is set, permission is selected method for stitching from two options " right side bookbinding " and " left side bookbinding ", and shows the picture that is provided with that is produced.

To be provided as print attribution (step S1705) by the value that the picture appointment is set that in step S1714, shows to guide module, and notify printer driver with described print attribution to guide module.

As mentioned above, by carrying out process as shown in figure 17, guide sequence of modules ground shows a plurality of pictures that are provided with, and allows the user to be provided with according to guide thus.

Note, when in step S1709, receiving inquiry, printer driver in response to described inquiry with the similar mode implementation of process shown in Figure 10, except separately each functions of the equipments being determined.

Printer driver 2041 and the relation between guide module 2042 are described now.

Figure 11 has shown printer driver 2041A to C and the relation between guide module 2042.Note, have the printer driver 2041 of each type of printer.Because the function difference of the printer of each type has been prepared different printer drivers to the printer of each type.

The function that can be provided with to 2041 inquiries of each printer driver to guide module 2042 and determine the UI that is provided with to be shown according to function can be set.Therefore, can provide the guide ability for any printer driver 2041A to 2041C, as long as be allowed to communicate by communication module 3032 and printer driver 2041 to guide module 2042 corresponding to the printer of any kind to guide module 2042.That is to say, allow a plurality of printer drivers to use to guide module jointly.Therefore, realization shown in Figure 11 makes it possible to achieve second feature, promptly can use the guide of sharing by a plurality of printer drivers.

As shown in figure 11, each printer driver has conflict and checks module, can determine from whether having conflict to being provided with of guide module notice, and return answer that expression determines the result to guide module, as above described with reference to figure 8 or Figure 10.

, conflict checks that thereby module in response to whether having conflict from the inquiry inspection to guide module, can realize advantage described below in each printer driver by being provided.

For example, in the example depicted in fig. 11, can be called by three types printer driver to guide module.In the guide block configuration is to have corresponding to the conflict of each printer driver to check under the situation of module, if increased new printer driver, comprise the conflict inspection module that corresponds respectively to four types the printer driver that comprises newly-increased printer driver thereby then need to revise to guide module.

That is to say, need revise to guide module when introducing new printer driver at every turn.

Opposite, in enforcement,, check module to the conflict that guide module does not need to have corresponding to each printer driver because each printer driver has the conflict inspection module of himself to determine whether to exist conflict according to the embodiment of the invention.

Therefore, when newly-increased printer driver, can provide for new printer driver guide is set does not need to revise to guide module.

Therefore, embodiments of the invention have following advantage, and promptly when newly-increased printer driver, can be easily new printer driver provides guide is set.

Now, next expansion to guide module 2042 is described.Shown to Figure 12 generalities expansion to guide module 2042.Can expand to guide module 2042 to guide data module 302 by increasing growth data 11000.When expanding, only, might use guide to specify new print attribution by increasing sight to guide module 2042.Except sight, by increasing UI resource and resource prioritization table, can increase can be by the new attribute that is provided with to guide module.That is to say that allowing increases new picture properties to the picture properties group to guide module, and upgrades the information that the display priority of each picture properties is distributed in expression according to newly-increased picture properties.

Figure 14 has shown the example that UI resource D and resource prioritization table are updated.For example, if the resource prioritization table is modified to handle the A0 printer, then the antiquarian priority list shown in 7013 is modified to 1310 among Figure 14 among Fig. 7.That is to say that antiquarian priority list 1310 has new row and is used to describe the precedence information related with the A0 printer.For example, when the functions of the equipments information from the printer driver collection comprises the information related with the A0 printer, then with reference to the new row (record) of A0 printer.In this row, resource D1311 has been assigned with first priority.Therefore, determine UI to be set as the UI that is provided with that at first shows to guide module corresponding to resource D1311.After this, by with reference to figure 7 and the described similar fashion implementation of Fig. 8, so it is described in detail in this omission.

Below with reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 functional block according to the messaging device of the embodiment of the invention is described.

Figure 15 has shown messaging device 3000, comprises printer driver, is suitable for producing the intelligible print data of image forming apparatus.The attribute that messaging device 3000 is suitable for sequentially determining being provided with picture is included in print attribution in the print data with setting, and sequentially shows the picture that print attribution is set.

Collecting unit 1502 is gathered the functions of the equipments information of executable one or more function of presentation video forming device from printer driver.

The functions of the equipments information that first determination module 1503 is gathered according to collecting unit module 1502 is determined first picture properties.

Second determination module 1504 is determined second picture properties based on functions of the equipments information with by the value of setting that first picture with first picture properties of being determined by first determination module 1503 is imported.

Module 1505 is set print attribution is set based on the value of setting of first picture input by having first picture properties of determining by first determination module 1503 and the value of importing by second picture of setting with second picture properties of determining by second determination module 1504.

Figure 16 shows the configuration of the messaging device of alternative embodiment according to the present invention.

In this alternative embodiment, messaging device 3000 comprises that to guide module 2042 this module can be called to produce a plurality of pictures that are provided with by a plurality of printer drivers.

To guide module 2052 comprise be suitable for from by the acquisition module 1603 of the printer driver collecting device function information that calls to guide module 2042, be suitable for based on the functions of the equipments information of gathering by acquisition module 1603 with the guide form sequentially show a plurality of the display controller 1604 of picture is set and be suitable for according to by sequentially shows by display controller 1604 a plurality of be provided with that values that picture imports are provided with print attribution module 1605 is set.

Notice that the present invention can be applied to system or the individual equipment (for example duplicating machine, facsimile recorder or the like) that comprises a plurality of equipment (for example host computer, interfacing equipment, reader, printer or the like).Feature of the present invention also can have the storage medium of having stored the software program code that is used for realizing the disclosed function of the above embodiment thereon and realizes by reading and carry out described program code on computers by provide a kind of for system and equipment.In the case, realized disclosed function the above embodiment, and the storage medium of having stored described program code thereon also within the scope of the invention from the program code that storage medium reads.

Some or all of process can be carried out by the operating system or the like of operation on computers according to described program code.The realization of these functions also within the scope of the invention.In order to realize one or more function of above-mentioned any embodiment according to the present invention, the program on the storage medium of being stored in can be loaded in the storer that inserts the expansion card in the computing machine or be loaded in the storer of the expanding element that is connected to computing machine.In the case, part or all processes can be according to the program code that is loaded and by placing the CPU on described expansion card or the expanding element to carry out.Notice that the realization of these functions also within the scope of the invention.

In above-described embodiment, described equipment not only comprises key component of the present invention, but also comprises additional or periphery, and described method or process not only comprise committed step of the present invention, but also comprises additional or correlation step.That is to say, more than equipment or all elements in method/process of describing with reference to specific embodiment be not to implement the certain needs of the present invention institute.

Although reference example embodiment has described the present invention, should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to disclosed exemplary embodiment.The scope of appended claims should give to explain the most widely, thereby comprise all modifications, equivalent construction and function.

Claims

1. a messaging device has printer driver, is used to produce the understandable print data of image forming apparatus, and has order display frame, is used to be provided with print attribution, comprising:

Harvester is used for representing from described printer driver collection the functions of the equipments information of executable one or more function of described image forming apparatus;

First determines device, is used for the described functions of the equipments information of gathering based on described harvester and determines first image information;

Second determines device, is used for determining second image information in described functions of the equipments information with via based on described first basis of the value of setting of determining described first picture input of described first image information that device is determined; And

Setting device, be used for determining the basis of definite described second image information of device by described second, print attribution is set by the value of setting of described second picture input in value of importing via described first picture of described first image information of determining based on described first definite device of setting and utilization.

2. messaging device according to claim 1 further comprises memory storage, is used for the precedence information of display priority that storage representation is distributed to each image information of each functions of the equipments information, wherein

Described first determine device based on the described functions of the equipments information of described harvester collection and distribute to based on expression each image information display priority information and determine described first image information of described first picture to be shown; And

Described second definite device is determined described second image information of described second picture to be shown on the basis of the described information of the display priority of distributing to each image information via the described value of setting, described functions of the equipments information and the expression imported based on described first picture of definite described first image information of described first definite device.

3. messaging device according to claim 2, wherein

Described second determines that device comprises:

Tentative definite device, be used for tentatively determining described second image information on the basis of the described information of the display priority of distributing to each image information via the described value of setting, described functions of the equipments information and the expression imported based on described first picture of definite described first image information of described first definite device;

Transmitting device, be used for will via based on described first determine described first image information that device is determined described first picture input the value of setting and the information transmission of one or more print attribution is set to described printer driver by the definite described image information of described tentative definite device being used to of comprising; And

Receiving trap is used for receiving the response message whether expression shows the described image information of being determined by described tentative definite device experiment ground from described printer driver, and

If the described response message that is received by described receiving trap represents should not show the described picture based on the described image information of being determined by described tentative definite device experiment ground, then described tentative definite device is tentatively determined the image information different with the described image information of the described picture that is confirmed as not showing by selecting from second image information sets.

4. messaging device according to claim 3, wherein

Described first determines device based on being determined described first image information by the described functions of the equipments information of described harvester collection comprising the print setting information carried out that is used for being arranged on by the function of described functions of the equipments information representation, and

Described second determines that device determines that based on the described response message that is received from described printer driver by described receiving trap described second image information is to comprise the print setting information carried out that is used for being arranged on by the function of described functions of the equipments information representation.

5. messaging device according to claim 2 further comprises:

Increase device, be used to increase new image information; And

Updating device is used for upgrading the described information that the display priority of each image information is distributed in expression based on the described new image information that is increased by described increase device.

6. messaging device according to claim 1 further comprises:

Determine device, be used to determine whether by via based on determining the described picture of described first image information that device is determined and via based on the setting of having finished by described second described picture input value of setting of determining described second image information that device is determined all print attributions by described first; And

The 3rd determines device, be used for when described definite device determines that not finishing print attribution is provided with, and based on the other image information of determining picture to be shown by one or more value of setting of current time input with described functions of the equipments information,

The wherein said the 3rd determines that device repeats describedly determines to determine to have finished the print attribution setting up to described definite device.

7. messaging device according to claim 6 further comprises display control unit, is used for based on determining the picture properties display frame sequentially that device, described second definite device and the described the 3rd definite device are determined by described first.

8. messaging device according to claim 1 wherein allows a plurality of printer drivers to use guide jointly.

9. messaging device according to claim 8, wherein

Described memory device stores context information, described context information have defined in described printer driver one or more print attribution to be provided with in the selectable output mode, and have defined the order that described print attribution is set, and

In response to the notice of the output mode of being selected by described printer driver, described memory storage is read the context information related with the output mode of described selection.

10. messaging device according to claim 9, wherein said harvester collection is corresponding to the functions of the equipments information of one or more print attribution of describing in the context information of being read.

11. messaging device according to claim 1, wherein

Described printer driver managing functions of equipment information,

Described printer driver comprises definite device, is used for determining can carry out the input value of setting by which or which function of described functions of the equipments information representation, and

Second definite device is determined described second image information according to definite result of described definite device.

12. information processing method in messaging device, described messaging device has printer driver, is used to produce the understandable print data of image forming apparatus, and has order display frame, be used to be provided with print attribution, described method comprises step:

The functions of the equipments information of representing executable one or more function of described image forming apparatus from described printer driver collection;

Determine first image information based on the described functions of the equipments information of in described acquisition step, gathering;

In described functions of the equipments information with on basis, determine second image information via the value of importing based on described first picture of described first image information of setting; And

On the described value of setting imported via described first picture of described first image information of determining based on the described first image information determining step and basis, print attribution is set via the value of importing based on described second picture of definite described second image information of the described second image information determining step of setting.

13. information processing method according to claim 12 further comprises step:

Storage representation is distributed to the information of display priority of each image information of each functions of the equipments information, wherein

In determining the step of described first image information, determine described first image information of described first picture to be shown based on the described information of described functions of the equipments information of gathering in the described acquisition step and the display priority of distributing to each image information based on expression; And

In the step of determining described second image information, on the basis of the described information of the display priority of distributing to each image information via the described value of setting, described functions of the equipments information and the expression of described first picture input of described first image information of determining based on the described first image information determining step, determine described second image information of described second picture to be shown.

14. information processing method according to claim 13, wherein

The described second image information determining step comprises:

On the basis of the described information of the display priority of distributing to each image information via the described value of setting, described functions of the equipments information and the expression of described first picture input of described first image information of determining based on the described first image information determining step, tentatively definite described second image information;

To arrive described printer driver via the information transmission that the value of setting of described first picture input of described first image information of determining based on the described first image information determining step and being used to of comprising are provided with one or more print attribution in the described image information that described tentative determining step is determined; And

Receive the response message whether expression shows the described image information of tentatively being determined by described tentative determining step from described printer driver, and

In described tentative determining step, if the described response message that is received by described receiving trap represents should not show the described picture based on the described image information of tentatively being determined by described tentative determining step, then tentatively determine the image information different with the described image information of the described picture that is confirmed as not showing by from second image information sets, selecting.

15. information processing method according to claim 14, wherein

In the described first image information determining step, determine described first image information comprising the print setting information carried out that is used for being arranged on by the function of described functions of the equipments information representation based on the described functions of the equipments information of in described acquisition step, gathering, and

In the described second image information determining step, based on determining that by the described response message that receives from described printer driver in the described receiving step described second image information is to comprise the print setting information carried out that is used for being arranged on by the function of described functions of the equipments information representation.

16. information processing method according to claim 13 further comprises step:

Increase new image information; And

Upgrade the described information that the display priority of each image information is distributed in expression based on the described new image information that increases by described increase step.

17. information processing method according to claim 12 further comprises step:

Determine whether by via based on determining the described picture of described first image information that device is determined and via based on the setting of having finished by described second described picture input value of setting of determining described second image information that device is determined all print attributions by described first; And

When determining that in described determining step not finishing print attribution is provided with, based on the other image information of determining picture to be shown by one or more value of setting of current time input with described functions of the equipments information,

Wherein said image information determining step is repeated to carry out up to determine to have finished the print attribution setting in described determining step.

18. information processing method according to claim 17 further comprises based on the picture properties of determining in the described first image information determining step, the described second image information determining step and described other image information determining step and the step of display frame sequentially.

19. information processing method according to claim 12, wherein

Described messaging device comprise be suitable for sequentially showing be used to be provided with print attribution a plurality of be provided with picture to guide module,

Describedly can be used jointly by a plurality of printer drivers to guide module.

20. information processing method according to claim 13, wherein said storing step comprises

The storage context information, described context information has defined in described printer driver one or more print attribution to be provided with in the selectable output mode, and has defined the order that described print attribution is set, and

In response to the notice of the output mode of selecting by described printer driver, read the context information related with the output mode of described selection.

21. information processing method according to claim 20, wherein said acquisition step comprise the functions of the equipments information of collection corresponding to one or more print attribution of describing in the context information of being read.

22. information processing method according to claim 12, wherein

Described printer driver managing functions of equipment information,

Described method further comprises which or which function of determining by described functions of the equipments information representation to the executable step of the input value of setting, and

In the described second image information determining step, according to determining described second image information in the described definite result who carries out in the function determining step.

23. a messaging device comprises and can be called to produce a plurality of guide apparatus that picture is set by a plurality of printer drivers that described guide apparatus comprises:

Harvester is used for from calling the printer driver collecting device function information of described guide apparatus;

Display control unit is used for based on sequentially showing a plurality of pictures that are provided with by the described functions of the equipments information of described harvester collection with the guide form; And

Setting device is used for according to by the described a plurality of values that the picture input is set that sequentially shown by described display control unit print attribution being set.

24. messaging device according to claim 23, wherein said guide apparatus further comprises generation device, be used for picture being set based on producing first by the described functions of the equipments information of described harvester collection, and based on described functions of the equipments information with produce second by described first value of setting that picture input is set picture is set.

25. messaging device according to claim 24, wherein

Described printer driver managing functions of equipment information,

Described generation device produces described second according to definite result of described definite device picture is set.

26. an information processing method comprises and can be called jointly to produce a plurality of guide processes that picture is set by a plurality of printer drivers that described guide process comprises step:

From calling the printer driver collecting device function information of described guide process;

Based on sequentially showing a plurality of pictures that are provided with the guide form by the described functions of the equipments information of gathering in the described acquisition step; And

According to print attribution being set by the described a plurality of values that the picture input is set that in described step display, sequentially show.

27. information processing method according to claim 26, wherein said guide process further comprises the generation step, comprising:

Produce first based on the described functions of the equipments information of in described acquisition step, gathering picture is set; And

Based on described functions of the equipments information with produce second by described first value of setting that picture input is set picture is set.

28. information processing method according to claim 27, wherein

Described printer driver managing functions of equipment information,

In described generation step, produce second according to definite result of described determining step picture is set.